Container and blanks for making the same



Oct. 1, 1968 Filed Aug. 11, 1965 M. r. FARQUHAR CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING THE SAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 f ;l v 29 l M 27 H I 23 v INVENTOR MELVI LLE T. FARQU HAR V ATTORNEYS Oct. 1, 1968 Filed Aug. 11, 1965 M. T. FARQUHAR CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING THE SAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 MELVILLE'. I FARQUHAR .1115 MTQRN Y Oct. 1, 1968 M. T. FARQUHAR 3,403,775

CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING THE SAME Filed Aug. 11, 1965 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 41k F55. 22b 30b 32b b my I 27b i: L 9 29 a; 28b

32b 22b 27b 20b =25 INVENTOR 35b 39b 23 MELVILLETFARQUHAR- V ATTORNEYS Oct. 1, 1968 M. T.IFIARQUHAR 7 3,403,775

CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING THE SAME Filed Aug. 11, 1965 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 35 37 4 v I \1" v '.T I. s 33 v 23 2 J g 1 g -g 8 INVENTOR. MELVILLE T. FARQUHAR HIS ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,403,775 CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING THE SAME Melville T. Farquhar, Bon Air, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 11, 1965, Ser. No. 478,834 20 Claims. (Cl. 20645.14)

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a container having compartment means formed therein by an extension flap extending from one of its vertical side walls wherein such extension flap has supporting shelf means defined in its terminal end portion and such shelf means is supported in suspended relation solely by the one side wall.

This invention pertains to an improved container and more particularly to improved compartmented containers and to improved bl-anks for making such containers or the like.

The protection of articles which are related but dissimilar, as Well as articles of different sizes and/ or shapes, generally, during packaging, storage, and transportation thereof may be considerably improved by providing a compartmented container therefor having separation and support means therewithin providing optimum support.

In addition, the marketability of related but dissimilar articles is often enhanced by the provision of a common container which has compartments therein for such articles, with each compartment being especially formed to receive a particular size and shape article and display it advantageously.

By packaging such related but dissimilar articles in one container, a better bargain may be provided to the purchaser, as well as the possibility of introducing to the user an article within such container which is not as well known as the others.

The protection of bottles or the like normally carried within a container may also be optimized by properly supporting such bottles within the container, particularly supporting the neck thereof to prevent movement and possible damage.

Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide an improved container for packaging two or more related but dissimilar articles, as well as articles generally, wherein the container is provided with unique compartment and shelf means therewithin to support such items.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of an improved container for packaging a bottle or the like wherein a special compartment is provided to receive and support the neck of such bottle against movement likely to cause damage.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved container having one or more of the novel features of this invention set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved container blanks for such a container or the like.

Other objects, uses and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an improved container of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 with the container top closed.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view showing a portion of an 3,403,775 Patented Oct. 1, 1968 ice improved container blank of this invention adapted to form the container illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing the compartment wall extending throughout the height of the container.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an improved container of this invention particularly adapted for carrying a bottle therein.

FIGURE 6 is a plan view illustrating a portion of an improved container blank of this invention adapted to form the container illustrated in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view on the line 77 of FIGURE 5 with the container top closed, particularly illustrating a bottle in phantom outline as it would be positioned within said container.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view illustrating still another embodiment of an improved container of this invention which may also be used for carrying bottles therein.

FIGURE 9 is a plan view showing a portion of an improved container blank of this invention adapted to form the container illustrated in FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view on the line 1010 of FIGURE 8 with the container top closed and with one end of the container cut away.

FIGURE 11 is a plan view showing a complete improved container blank of this invention adapted to form the container of FIGURE 1. With the exception of the side wall extension flap, such blank may be used to form the containers of FIGURES 1, 5, and 8 by using the corresponding extension flap shown in FIGURES 3, 6, and 9.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adapt- :able for packaging two or more related but dissimilar articles as well as for packaging bottles or the like, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combination thereof to provide containers for other articles as desired.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate examples of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 14, an improved container 20 for packaging two or more related but dissimilar articles is shown.

Container 20 has compartment means providing lateral and vertical support for articles carried therein as well as separating the various articles within such container into preselected zones.

In the position illustrated in the drawings, container 20 has six foldably connected exterior side walls which are rectangular in shape comprising a bottom 21, a top 22, and four vertical walls 23, 24, 25, and 26. One of said side walls illustrated as side wall 26, has a first fold or score line 27 therein defining the upper end thereof and extension flap means shown as extension flap 30 generally coextensive in width therewith and extending beyond fold line 27.

The compartment means within container 20 has a top wall 31 thereof formed by folding extension flap 30 inwardly ninety degrees about fold line 27 and toward the open container.

A second fold line 32 is provided in extension flap 30 parallel to fold line 27 and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the width of top wall 31 and the lateral extent of the compartment means within container 20. The free end of extension flap 30 is folded inwardly ninety degrees about fold line 32 thus forming a compartment wall 33 within container 20 parallel to side wall 26.

A third fold line 34 is provided in extension flap 30 parallel to fold line 32 and spaced apart therefrom a distance'defining the height of compartment wall 33 within container 20. The remainder of flap 30 is folded about fold line 34 ninety degrees to provide shelf means, illustrated as horizontal shaft 35, within container 20.

Means spacing compartment wall 33 from side wall 26 is provided, and in this embodiment comprises cut means in extension flap 30 permitting a portion thereof to be folded normal to compartment wall 33 and thereby space it apart from side wall 26. Such cut means include first cut means, shown as an elongated cut out slot 36 in compartment wall 33 (see FIGURE 3). Slot 36 is arranged in parallel relation between fold lines 32 and 34 and extends from one edge of wall 33 across a fractional part thereof.

A second cut 37 is provided in compartment wall 33 commencing .at the inner end of slot 36 and extending transverse thereto toward and into contact with fold line 34. The effective length of cut 37 is generally equal to the perpendicular distance between fold lines 27 and 32, i.e., the width of compartment top wall 31.

It will be seen that upon folding the remainder of extension flap 30 ninety degrees away from side wall 26 and about fold line 34, the flap portion 40 bounded and defined by cuts 36 and 37 extends in one direction normal to side wall 26 thereby spacing the lower end of compartment wall 33 from side Wall 26 by the effective length of cut 37, while such remainder extends in the opposite direction to provide shelf 35 for the support of articles within container 20. Compartment wall 33 and side wall 26 are held spaced apart in generally parallel relation by top wall 31 and flap 40 at opposite ends of compartment wall 33. The unique compartment and shelf means thus provided assures maximum protection and structural stability for articles carried Within container 20 as well as providing optimum arrangement for viewing such articles with top 22 open.

It should be noted that compartment wall 31 serves several functions in that it provides a top wall for the compartment, while providing proper spacing for compartment wall 33 and it also provides added support for top 22 thus giving container 20 added structural stability when such container is suitably sealed.

Container 20 can be formed in any suitable manner and made from any suitable foldable material. It is preferably formed from the container blank 43, illustrated partially in FIGURE 3 and in complete detail in FIGURE 11. Blank 43 is made of cardboard or the like having a side such as the exposed surface thereof laminated with metallic foil, such as aluminum-containing metallic foil or the like, suitably colored, embossed, imprinted or remaining plain as desired.

Blank 43 is suitably cut and scored to define a plurality, six in this example, of foldably connected side walls shown as walls 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26. A fold line 28 is provided in wall 23 of such blank with .a side wall fastening tab 29 extending therebeyond. Tab 29 is suitably overlapped with adjacent side wall 24 and secured thereto with adhesive or the like, while the separate portions of bottom 21 are also suitably secured together to form the exterior walls of container 20.

Side wall 26 has an integral extension flap 30 generally coextensive therewith with cut and score means suitably arranged in such flap such that upon assembling blank 43 to form container 20, flap 30 is suitably folded to form a compartment therewithin.

First fold line 27 is provided in side wall 26 of blank 43 as shown and defines the upper end of side wall 26 with container 20 assembled as shown in the drawings. Flap 30 extends beyond fold line 27 and has second fold line 32 therein arranged parallel and spaced apart from fold line 27 a distance defining the width of the compartment top wall 31. The spacing between fold lines 27 and 32 and hence the size of the compartment within the container formed from blank 43 may vary depending on the nature of the articles to be carried by such container.

Third fold line 34 is provided in the free end of flap 30 and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of compartment wall 33.

Cut means is provided in the portion of blank 43 defining compartment wall 33. Such cu't means includes first cut means or a generally rectangular elongated cutout slot 36 arranged generally parallel to and between fold lines 32 and 34. Slot 36 extends across a fractional part of Wall 33 from one of its edges.

Second cut means 37 commences at the inner end of slot 36 and extends toward and into contact with fold line 34. The effective length of cut 37, i.e., the perpendicular distance between fold line 34 and the inner end of slot 36, is determined in each instance by the amount the compartment formed by blank 43 extends into assembled container 20 and is closely correlated with the width of top wall 31. In this example the width of top wall 31 and the length of cut 37 are generally equal.

With blank 43 completely erected to form container 20, shelf 35 is formed on one side of compartment wall 33 by folding the remaining portion of flap 30 into a horizontal plane about fold line 34, while the flap portion 40 bounded by cuts 36 and 37 extends normal to side wall 26 on the opposite side of wall 33 and provides proper spacing at the lower end of wall 33.

While in the description of this embodiment of the invention an extension in blank 43 has been provided for side wall 26 it will be apparent that a similar extension could be provided either integrally or in association with any of the other walls 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 individually or in combination with others of such walls.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention of FIG- URES 57 a container and its associated blank is illustrated, which is basically similar to the container of FIG- URES 1-4. In view of the similarity, the description of this latter embodiment will be abbreviated except for certain details which are special with this latter embodiment. Similar parts in both embodiments will be designated by the same numeral being followed in this latter embodiment by the reference letter a.

FIGURE 5 illustrates a container 20a having compartment and shelf means for receiving and supporting respectively the neck of a bottle or the like carried within such container. The main portion of container 20a is used for the bottle, while the neck of the bottle is generally supported within the compartment portion provided in such container.

Container 20a has six foldably connected exterior side walls of rectangular shape and comprising a bottom 21a, a top 22a, and four vertical 'walls 23a, 24a, 25a, and 26a. Wall 2611 has a first fold line 27a therein defining its upper end, with the container 20a in the upright position shown in the drawings, and extension flap means shown as extension fiap 30a which is generally coextensive in width with side wall 26a and which extends beyond fold line 27a.

The compartment means within container 20a has a top wall 31a thereof formed by folding extension flap 30a about fold line 27a generally as previously described for the previous embodiment.

A second fold line 32a is provided in extension flap 30:: parallel to fold line 27a and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the width of top wall 31a. The free end of extension flap 30a is folded inwardly about fold line 32a, thus, forming a compartment wall 33a within container 20a which compartment wall is parallel to side wall 26a.

A third fold line 34a is provided in extension flap 30a and such fold line is arranged parallel to fold line 32a and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of compartment wall 33a within container 20a. The remainder of the extension flap 30a is folded about fold line 34a and cooperates With the neck of the bottle to be carried within the container 20a to provide a support therefor, while simultaneously spacing the lower end of compartment wall 3311 from side wall 26a. Suitable means are provided in compartment wall 33a for receiving the neck of the bottle therethrough.

As shown particularly in FIGURES 5 and 7, means in compartment wall 33a for receiving the bottle neck therethrough comprises in this embodiment of the invention generally H-shaped cut means 38a having two parallel sides and a transverse cut extending therebetween and in contact with such two parallel sides. One of the sides of the generally H-shaped cut is arranged coextensive with fold line 34a. Support is provided at the lower end of compartment wall 33a by folding the remainder of extension flap 30a toward said compartment.

The H-shaped cut defines a pair of foldable flaps 39a which fold generally normal to compartment wall 33a, thus providing an opening through which the bottle neck is received. Flaps 39a also engage the neck of the bottle and as shown particularly in FIGURE 7, engage such neck at its opposite sides to provide improved stability.

The actual dimensions of the Hashaped cut will, of course, vary with the particular configuration of bottle being supported within the container a. Also, the location of the H-shaped cut will also vary, depending upon the size bottle and whether the bottle has a neck which is centrally located.

In this embodiment of the invention, as particularly illustrated in FIGURE 5, the remaining portion 35a of flap 30a is folded normal to and toward side wall 26a and provides spacing for the compartment at its lower end and generally opposite top wall 31a.

The container shown in perspective in FIGURE 5 is formed from the container blank 43a illustrated particularly in FIGURE 6. Blank 43a is identical to blank 43 shown in detail in FIGURE 11 with the exception of extension flap 30a. The extension flap differences will be readily apparent by observing FIGURE 6. Blank 43a is made of a foldable material, such as cardboard, preferably with a metallic foil, such as aluminum-containing metallic foil, laminated on one or both sides thereof.

Blank 43a is suitably cut and scored to define six foldably connected rectangular side walls shown as walls 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a, and 26a. Tab 29a and fold line 28a are provided in blank 43a serving the same function as previously described in connection with corresponding items in the previous embodiment.

Side wall 26a of blank 43a has integral extension flap 30a generally coextensive therewith with cut and score means suitably arranged in such flap, such that upon assembling blank 43a to form container 20a, flap 30a is suitably folded to form a compartment therewithin.

Side wall 26a has a first fold line 27a therein, which defines its upper end when container 20a is assembled. Flap 30a extends beyond fold line 27a and has second fold line 32a therein spaced apart and arranged parallel to fold line 27a. The spacing between fold lines 2711 and 32a defines the width of the compartment top wall 31a. Third fold line 34a is provided in the free end of flap 30a and spaced apart therefrom a distance which defines the height of compartment wall 3301 within container 20a.

The generally H-shaped cut means provided in the portion of blank 43a defining compartment wall 33a is arranged with a side thereof coextensive with fold line 34a. The extension flap remainder 35a extends beyond fold line 34a. Upon assembling container 20a from blank 43a and with compartment wall 33a in place, flap portion 35a is folded toward side wall 26a to provide proper spacing for the lower end of the compartment. Flap portion 35a also provides support for the neck of the bottle, and the H-shaped cut 38a defines a pair of foldable flaps 39a which fold normal to compartment wall 33a and thus provide an opening through which the bottle neck is received and held for better vertical and horizontal stability. While the flaps 39a are shown extended within, the compartment, it will be apparent that they could be folded normal to compartment wall 33a in the opposite direction to also provide stability at the inner end portion of the bottle neck.

Note that the lateral extension of the flaps 39a could also be suitably controlled by controlling the H-shaped cut to permit yielding engagement of flaps 39a, as shown in FIGURE 7, against the lower lip of the cap of the bottle to be carried within container 20a. Such engagement will more securely hold the bottle in position.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 8-10, similar parts will be given the same numeral designations as in the previous two embodiments but followed by the letter designation b for this latter embodiment.

FIGURE 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention showing an improved container having compartment and shelf means. While the present description will proceed making reference to container 20b as being particularly adapted to carrying a bottle with a compartment for receiving and supporting respectively the neck of such bottle, it will be appreciated that other articles could be contained therein as well.

Container 20b has six foldably connected rectangular exterior side walls comprising a bottom wall 21b, a top 22b, and four vertical walls 23b, 24b, 25b, and 26b. Side wall 26b has a first fold line 27b therein and an extension flap 33b generally coextensive in width therewith and extending beyond fold line 27b generally as previously described in the previous embodiments. Similarly, container 20b has a compartment therein with a top wall 31b having a width defined by the distance between fold lines 27b and 32b in flap 33b.

Fold line 34b is provided in extension flap 30b and again as described previously defines the height of compartment wall 33b within container 20b. The remainder of flap 30b which extends beyond fold line 34b is folded thereabout ninety degrees to provide shelf means illustrated as horizontal shelf 35b.

Means is provided in compartment wall 33b for receiving the neck of the bottle carried in container 20b therethrough. Such means comprises inverted generally U- shaped cut means 38b with the open end of the U oriented to contact fold line 34b. Upon folding the remainder of the extension fiap 35b ninety degrees about fold line 34b and away from the compartment formed within container 20b, the generally rectangular tongue 3% defined by such inverted U-shaped cut means serves several purposes. Tongue 39b will be oriented normal to side wall 26b. This orientation enables tongue 39b to provide spacing at the lower end of compartment wall 33b; furthermore, it will be seen also that by rotating such tongue 39b out of the plane of compartment wall 33b, an opening is provided therein through which the neck of the bottle is received.

Thus, through the unique folding and cutting arrangement as provided in this embodiment of the invention, provision is made in a compartment wall for receiving the neck of the bottle to be supported within container 20b, as well as providing proper spacing for the compartment and support for the neck of the bottle. With a portion of the bottle also resting on the remainder 35b of flap 30b, it will be seen that tongue 39b will be kept oriented in a proper manner transverse to wall 26b.

The container of the embodiment of the invention i1- lustrated in FIGURES 8 and 10 is made from the container blank 43b illustrated particularly in FIGURE 9. Blank 43b is identical to blank 43 shown in FIGURE 11 except for differences in the extension flap 30b as shown in FIGURE 9. Container blank 43b is made of a single sheet of foldable material having a metallic foil laminated to a side thereof.

Blank 43b is suitably cut and scored to define six foldably connected generally rectangular side walls shown as walls 21b, 22b, 23b, 24b, 25b, and 26b. Extension flap 30b provided for side wall 26b is generally coextensive therewith and has cut and score means suitably arranged therein such that upon assembling blank 43b to form container 20b, a compartment may be formed within container 20b by suitably folding flap 30b.

First fold line 27b provided in blank 43b defines the upper end of side wall 26b when container 20b is assembled. It will be seen from the drawings that flap 30b extends beyond fold line 27b and has a second fold line 32b spaced apart therefrom and arranged parallel to fold line 27b to define the extent of the compartment within container 2% and hence the width of top wall 3112. Third fold line 34b is provided in the free end of flap 30b and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of compartment Wall 3312. The height of compartment wall 33b is selected to closely match the position of the neck of the bottle in its horizontal position in container 2%.

Generally U-shaped cut means 38b is provided in the portion of the blank 43b defining compartment wall 33b. U-shaped cut 38b is oriented with its open end contacting fold line 34b. With the container 20b assembled and the compartment assembled therein, the U-shaped cut 38b in compartment wall 33b provides an opening through which the neck of the bottle is received; and by folding extension flap remainder 35b of flap 30b about fold line 34b and toward the inside of container 20b such remainder 35b provides support for the bottle neck. Also the generally rectangular tongue 3%, surrounded by U- shaped cut 38b, provides proper spacing for compartment wall 33b away from side wall 26b as previously described.

While the tongue in this particular embodiment of the invention has been described as being rectangular in shape, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the shape of the tongue is not controlling and could be triangular by making a V-shaped cut in side wall 33b instead of a U-shaped cut. Similarly, other shapes could be selected.

In the detailed description of the various embodiments of this invention the compartment wall 33 has been described as extending partially into container 20. It will be appreciated that such compartment wall could extend across the full height of container 20 with flaps 35 and 40 in contact with bottom 21 as illustrated in FIGURE 4.

The arrangement as shown in FIGURE 4 makes provision for two articles A and B to be in individual compartments within container 20 while providing structural support therefor laterally and vertically. Similarly, FIG- URE 2 illustrates three articles C, D, and E, carried and supported in individual compartments.

The terms bottom, top, side wall, top wall and the like have been utilized in this description and the appended claims merely to define the position of the walls as shown in the drawings. It is to be understood that the compartment means could be attached to any wall.

Thus it is seen that an improved container is provided for packaging two or more items of different sizes and/or shapes, wherein the container has unique compartment and shelf means therewithin to support such items. An improved bottle container having structural features giving optimum support for the neck of a bottle carried therein is also provided.

Further, this invention provides improved blanks for forming such containers or the like.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by the statutes, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A container comprising, a side wall, a first fold line in said side wall defining the upper end thereof, an extension fiap in said side wall generally coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, compartment means within said container having a substantially continuous surface top wall thereof formed by folding said extension flap inwardly about said first fold line, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the extent of said compartment means within said container and about which the free terminal end of said extension flap is folded thus forming a compartment wall within said container parallel to said side wall, and support means in said extension flap supported solely by said side wall to provide a suspended support for articles carried in said container.

2.. A container comprising, a side wall, a first fold line in said side wall defining the upper end thereof, an extension flap in said side wall generally coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, compartment means within said container having a substantially continuous surface top wall thereof formed by folding said extension flap inwardly about said first fold line, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the extent of said compartment means within said container and about which the free terminal end of said extension flap is folded thus forming a compartment wall within said container parallel to said side wall, and spacing means defined by said free terminal end and supported solely by said side wall to provide a suspended spacing means spacing said compartment wall from said side wall.

3. A container as set forth in claim 1 in which said support means in said extension flap defines suspended horizontal shelf means providing support for articles carried within said container.

4. A container as set forth in claim 1 in which said means in said extension fiap supports the neck of a bottle thereon and also provides vertical support and lateral stability therefor.

5. A container having compartment and shelf means comprising, a side wall, a first fold line in said side wall defining the upper end thereof, an extension flap in said side wall coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, said flap being adapted for folding inwardly ninety degrees about said first fold line to form a substantially continuous surface top wall for said compartment, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the extent of said compartment within said container and about which the free end of said extension is folded ninety degrees thus forming a compartment wall parallel to said side wall, and a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of said compartment wall within said container and about which the remainder of said extension flap is folded ninety degrees to provide horizontal shelf means for said container, said horizontal shelf means being supported in suspended relation solely by said side wall.

6. A container having compartment and shelf means comprising, a side wall, a first fold line in said side wall defining the upper end thereof, an extension flap in said side wall coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, said fiap being folded inwardly ninety degrees about said first fold line to form the top wall of said compartment, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the extent of said compartment within said container and about which the free end of said extension is folded ninety degrees thus forming a compartment wall parallel to said side wall, a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of said compartment wall within said container and the remainder of said extension flap is folded thereabout ninety degrees to provide shelf means within said container, and spacing means spacing the lower end of said compartment wall from said side wall, said extension flap being supported solely by said side wall to thereby support said shelf means and spacing means in suspended relation.

7. A container as set forth in claim 6 in which said spacing means comprises cut means in said extension flap permitting a portion thereof to be folded normally toward said side wall to define said spacing means while allowing said shelf means to extend in an opposite direction.

8. A container as set forth in claim 6 in which said spacing means comprises first cut means in said compartment wall between said second and third fold lines generally parallel thereto and extending from one edge across a fractional part thereof, and a second cut in said compartment wall commencing at the inner end of and transverse to said first cut means and extending to said third fold line, whereby upon folding the remainder of said flap about said third fold line the flap portion bounded by said first cut means and said second cut provides spacing between the lower end of said compartment wall and said side wall.

9. A container as set forth in claim 6 in which said spacing means comprises first cut means in said compartment wall between said second and third fold lines generally parallel thereto and extending from one edge across a fractional part thereof, and a second cut in said compartment wall commencing at the inner end of and exing transverse said first cut means toward said third fold line a distance equal in effective length to the distance between said first and second fold lines, said shelf means being provided by folding the remainder of said flap about said third fold line away from said side wall and the flap portion bounded by said first cut means and said second cut extends toward said side wall while spacing the lower end of said compartment wall from said side wall by said effective length.

10. A container having compartment and shelf means comprising, a side Wall, a first fold line in said side wall defining the upper end thereof, an extension flap in said side wall coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, said flap being folded inwardly ninety degrees about said first fold line to form the top wall of said compartment, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the extent of said compartment within said container and about which the free end of said extension is folded ninety degrees thus forming a compartment wall parallel to said side wall, a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of said compartment wall within said container, and inverted generally U-shaped cut means in said extension flap with the open end thereof oriented to contact said third fold line such that the remainder of said extension flap provides horizontal shelf means within said container upon being folded ninety degrees about said third fold line and away from said compartment and the compartment wall portion surrounded by such U-shaped cut defines a tongue which is folded bounding the lower portion of said compartment and normal to said side wall to provide spacing means at the lower end of said compartment, said extension flap being supported solely by said side wall to thereby support said shelf means and spacing means in suspended relation.

11. A container having compartment and shelf means for receiving and supporting respectively the neck of a bottle carried within said container comprising, a side wall, a first fold line in said side wall defining the upper end thereof, an extension flap in said side wall coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, said flap being folded inwardly ninety degrees about said first fold line to form the top wall of said compartment, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the extent of said compartment within said container and about which the free end of said extension is folded ninety degrees thus forming a compartment wall parallel to said side wall, a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of said compartment wall within said container and the remainder of said extension flap is folded thereabout and cooperates with the neck of said bottle to provide supporting shelf means therefor, spacing means formed from a part of said extension flap spacing the lower end of said compartment wall from 10 said side wall, and means in said compartment wall for receiving said bottle neck therethrough, said extension flap being supported solely by said side wall to thereby support said shelf means and spacing means in suspended relation.

12. A container as set forth in claim 11 in which said means in said compartment wall for receiving said bottle neck comprises generally H-shaped cut means with a side thereof coextensive with said third fold line, such that said supporting shelf means for said bottle neck and said spacing means is provided at the lower end of said compartment wall by folding the remainder of said extension flap toward said side wall, and said H-shaped cut means defines a pair of foldable flaps which fold generally normal to said compartment wall thus providing an opening through which said bottle neck is received, said flaps also engage said neck at opposite sides thereof to provide improved stability.

13. A container as set forth in claim 11 in which said means in said compartment wall for receiving said bottle neck comprises inverted generally U-shaped cut means with the open end thereof oriented to contact said third fold line, such that upon folding the remainder of said extension flap ninety degrees away from said compartment and about said third fold line the compartment wall portion surrounded by such U-shaped cut defines a tongue which is folded normal to said side wall to provide said spacing means at said lower end While providing an opening in said compartment wall through which said bottle neck is received.

14. A container formed from a single blank of foldable material having compartment and shelf means comprising, a plurality of exterior side walls fastened together to define an enclosure with one of said exterior side walls providing a closeable top therefor, another exterior side wall having a first fold line defining the upper end thereof, an extension fiap in said other exterior side wall coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, said flap being folded inwardly ninety degrees about said first fold line to form the top wall of said compartment,

' said top wall also providing support for said top in its closed position, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold lineand spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the width of said top wall and hence the extent of said compartment within said container and about which the free end of said extension is folded inwardly ninety degrees, a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of said compartment wall within said container and the remainder of said extension flap is folded thereabout ninety degrees to provide shelf means within said container, and spacing means spacing the lower end of said compartment wall from said side wall, said extension flap being supported solely by said side wall to thereb support said shelf means and spacing means in suspended relation.

15. A container as set forth in claim 14 in which said spacing means comprises cut means in said compartment wall permitting a portion thereof to be folded generally normal thereto into contact with said other exterior side wall to provide said spacing means and provide stability for articles carried in said container.

16. A container formed from a single blank of foldable material having compartment and shelf means for receiving and supporting respectively the neck of a bottle carried within said container comprising, a plurality of exterior side walls fastened together to define an enclosure with one of said exterior side walls providing a closeable top therefor, another exterior side wall having a first fold line defining the upper end thereof, an extension fiap in said other exterior side wall coextensive therewith and extending beyond said first fold line, said flap being folded inwardly ninety degrees about said first fold line to form the top wall of said compartment, said top wall also providing support for said top in its closed position, a second fold line in said extension fiap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the width of said top wall and hence the extent of said compartment within said container and about which the free end of said extension is folded ninety degrees, a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the height of said compartment wall within said container whereby the remainder of said extension flap is folded thereabout and cooperates with the neck of said bottle to provide supporting shelf means therefor while spacing the lower end of said compartment wall from said exterior side wall, and means in said compartment wall for receiving said botte neck therethrough, said extension flap being supported solely by said side wall to thereby support said shelf means in suspended relation.

17. A container blank being cut and scored to define a resulting container upon assembly thereof comprising: six side walls adapted to be foldably fastened together to form said resulting container; one of said side walls having a first fold line therein defining the upper end thereof in said resulting container; an extension flap generally co-extensive with said one side wall and extending beyond said first fold line; and cut and score means suitably arranged in said extension flap and adapted to form a compartment within said resulting container which has support and shelf means and comprising, a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the width of a top wall of said compartment, a third fold line in said extension fiap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining a compartment wall for said compartment, first cut means in said compartment Wall "between said second and third fold lines and generally parallel thereto and extending across a fractional part thereof, second cut means in said compartment wall commencing at the inner end of said first cut means and extending toward and into contact with said third fold line a distance equal in effective length to the width of said top wall, said shelf means being provided by the remainder of said fiap beyond said third fold line and said flap portion bounded by said cut means providing spacing means at the end of said compartment wall opposite said top Wall upon assembly of said resulting container and compartment therewithin, and wherein said extension flap is supported solely by said side wall of said resulting container to thereby support said s'helf means and spacing means in suspended relation.

18. A container blank being cut and scored to define a resulting container for a bottle upon assembly thereof 7 comprising, six side walls adapted to be folda'bly fastened together to form said resulting container, one of said side walls having a first fold line therein defining the upper end thereof in said resulting container, an extension flap generally co-extensive with said one side wall and extending beyond said first fold line, and cut and score means in said extension flap arranged to form a compartment within said resulting container having supporting shelf means for supporting the neck of said bottle while providing proper compartment spacing, said extension flap being supported solely by said side wall of said resulting container to thereby support said shelf means in suspended relation.

19. A container blank as set forth in claim 18 in which cut and score means in said extension flap include a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the width of a top wall of said compartment, a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining a compartment side wall for said compartment, generally U-shaped cut means in said compartment side wall, with the open end of said U-shaped c-ut means oriented to contact said third fold line, an extension flap remainder extending beyond said third fold line such that upon assembly of said blank to form said resulting container and compartment therein said remainder provides supporting shelf means for said bottle neck and the compartment wall portion surrounded by said U-shaped cut provides an opening through which said bottle neck is received as well as providing spacing means for the end of said compartment wall arranged opposite said compartment top wall.

20. A container blank as set forth in claim 19 in which said cut and score means in said extension flap include a second fold line in said extension flap parallel to said first fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining the width of a top wall of said compartment, a third fold line in said extension flap parallel to said second fold line and spaced apart therefrom a distance defining a compartment wall for said compartment, generally H-shaped cut means in said compartment wall with a side thereof co-extensive with said third fold line, and an extension flap remainder extending beyond said third fold line, such that upon assembling said blank to form said resulting container and compartment therein supporting shelf means for said bottle neck and spacing means at the end of said compartment opposite said top wall is provided by said remainder and said H-shape cut means defines a pair of foldable flaps which fold normal to said compartment wall thus providing an opening through which said bottle neck is received and held for better stability.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,791,196 2/1931 Deutschmeister 206--65 X 2,397,041- 3 19 46 tPantalone 20646 X 2,854,181 9/1958 Smith 229'27 2,856,067 10/1958 Sparks 20665 X 2,939,623 7/ 19 60 Riocardi 22942 3,093,290 6/1963 Banks et a1. 20645.14 X

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,163,260 4/ 1958 France.

MARTHA L. RICE, Primary Examiner. 

